Sight Lost, Sight Restored

By Alice KennyAll of us, not just the unlucky or disadvantaged, rely on the fragile human apparatus of sight for survival. Any change, great or small, can reconfigure a life.

Jasmine Carrero, along with sons Timothy, 11, and Travis, 9, have Stickler syndrome, a genetic abnormality that is stealing their sight. They are awaiting tests to find out whether baby sister Lillian, now 5 months, must cope with this syndrome as well.

Meanwhile, Cynthia Gibbs-Pratt, 47, who works as a food stamp eligibility specialist, had 20/20 vision for most of her life. Suddenly progressive macular degeneration began robbing her of her sight. Her husband left her. Now alone, she fears using a cane because it would announce to those roaming the dangerous streets where she lives that she is defenseless.